Dear Skålleagues,

There are moments when the events unfolding around us remind us, with extraordinary force, of just how fragile and precious life truly is.

Today, across different parts of our world, families are facing the devastating consequences of war, conflict, natural disasters, uncertainty and loss. Behind every headline is a human story- a mother, a father, a child, a friend, a family whose life may have changed forever in a matter of moments.

At times like these, we must ask ourselves an important question: 

Is it the disagreement we refuse to let go of? The meeting that seems so urgent? The title we hold or the recognition we seek?

Or is it the people we love, the friendships we treasure, the lives we touch and the kindness we leave behind?

My dear Skålleagues, tomorrow is never promised. So today, tell the people you love that you love them. Call the friend you have been meaning to call. Embrace your family a little longer. Forgive when you can. Be present. Offer your hand to someone who needs it.

Whatever our religion, faith, spiritual tradition or personal belief may be, let us reach towards the higher power in which we place our faith and ask for peace, healing, protection, wisdom and comfort for humanity.


This is something that should resonate deeply within Skål International. For generations, our organisation has brought people together across borders, cultures, languages, religions and backgrounds through something profoundly powerful: friendship.

Friendship means caring. It means respecting one another even when we disagree. It means standing beside one another during difficult times. And it means recognising that what unites us will always be more powerful than what divides us.

As World President of Skål International, I believe our values have never been more relevant. In a world that can sometimes feel increasingly divided, we have a responsibility to demonstrate that unity is still possible.

We may not be able to stop every war or prevent every natural disaster. We may not be able to solve every problem confronting our world. 

Let us remember those who have lost their lives, keep their families and communities in our thoughts and prayers, and stand with those who are suffering, grieving, displaced or uncertain about tomorrow.

Let us also look at our own lives and remember what matters most. Love your family. Treasure your friendships. Give your time generously. Forgive more quickly. Help whenever you can. Be grateful. And never postpone saying, “I love you.”

I also invite every Skål club and member to turn these values into action in a practical way—by sharing a story of solidarity, reaching out to someone who may be struggling, or supporting a local community initiative. Small acts of friendship and compassion can create a meaningful difference.

Ultimately, our greatest legacy will not be the positions we held, the awards we received or the things we accumulated. It will be the lives we touched, the friendships we nurtured and the love we gave.

Today, I ask our entire Skål International family to stand together, not simply as members of an organisation, but as one global family united by friendship, compassion, respect and hope.